Industry discussions lead NASCAR to set lower downforce package for July race at Kentucky

NASCAR will use a rules package with lower downforce for next month's race at Kentucky Speedway.

The change announced Tuesday by chief racing development officer Steve O'Donnell is only for the July 11 race in Sparta, Kentucky.

The package will include a reduced spoiler height, a wider splitter extension and tires with more grip. The track will open July 8 for teams to setup their cars with the new rules.

The change comes after lengthy discussions from all corners of the industry on how to improve the on-track product. NASCAR has been trying to set rules for 2016, but so far this year's rules have provided uninspired racing, particularly at 1.5-mile speedways.

NASCAR last week discussed Kentucky with key industry executives, and recently met with a new drivers' council.